Is Infertility A Male Problem?
Globally, 48 million couples have trouble conceiving even after a year of trying. Although infertility is generally viewed as a woman’s problem, it is also a common issue for men. Women’s issues cause only 30% of infertility cases. Equally, another 30% is attributable to men. A further 30% are due to both partners, and the remaining 10% have an unknown cause. Therefore, infertility is a discussion for men and women. For men, there are several underlying causes of infertility, with hypertension a silent but severe cause.
The hypertension link
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a well-known risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. This is because the force of the blood moving through the arteries causes slow but significant damage to the artery walls. Along with these conditions, some men experience lower fertility rates. Scientists found that men with high blood pressure are less likely to father a child than those with healthy blood pressure levels. In addition, men with hypertension are more likely to experience poor semen quality or erectile dysfunction than men with normal blood pressure levels. These men also tend to have higher numbers of abnormal sperm.
Beware these lifestyle habits
Male infertility and hypertension can occur due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Habits like excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and poor diet can lead to both conditions. Alcohol use and smoking raise blood pressure and increase the chances of kidney damage. Blockages or damage to blood vessels supplying the testicles is also possible with these behaviors. Obesity and stress can lead to high blood pressure and excess inflammation. These can affect sperm quality and quantity and cause erectile dysfunction. Men trying to start or grow a family must look at these habits and speak with a doctor to identify health risks.
It starts with you
The optimal blood pressure level is 120/80mmHg or lower. Some men have pre-hypertension, with numbers just outside the normal range and a high risk of hypertension. Knowing these numbers can help doctors devise a plan to manage blood pressure while improving fertility. Addressing any lifestyle challenges is the first step. If lifestyle measures don’t help, a doctor may prescribe medication to bring blood pressure into the normal range. Counseling, coaching, and support to break habits are essential to turning around fertility fortunes.
Boosting fertility naturally
Lifestyle changes sound simple but are challenging to maintain. Start with removing smoking and excess alcohol consumption to improve cardiovascular health. Next, begin eating a healthy diet and combining resistance and aerobic exercise. These changes alone have a significant impact on blood pressure and fertility. A doctor or pharmacist can also recommend natural supplements to manage blood pressure and increase nutrients for reproductive health. Other helpful behaviors include stress reduction and moving more throughout the day.
Remove the pressure of infertility
Hypertension can lead to several severe conditions, including infertility. However, consistent lifestyle changes can improve a man’s mental and physical health over several months. These are essential to improving both blood pressure and fertility. If for some reason, these changes fail, there are assisted reproductive technology (ART) options available. These techniques involve taking the healthiest sperm samples to create embryos and increase pregnancy chances. Standard procedures include in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Take the pressure off conceiving with the right treatment plan.
